THE MISSION OF THE CONFERENCE IS TO: ADVANCE STANDARDS OF SCHOLARSHIP, SPORTSMANSHIP AND EQUITY WITH THE HIGHEST IDEALS OF CONFERENCE MEMBERSHIP; SUPPORT THE DEVELOPMENT OF NATIONAL-CHAMPIONSHIP CALIBER INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHELTIC PROGRAMS; ORGANIZE, PROMOTE AND ADMINISTER INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS AMONG ITS MEMBER INSTITUTIONS; OPTIMIZE REVENUES AND PROVIDE SUPPORTING SERVICES COMPATIBLE WITH BOTH ACADEMIC AND COMPETITIVE EXCELLENCE; AND ENCOURAGE COLLABORATION IN AREAS BEYOND ATHLETICS THAT BUILDS GOOD-WILL BETWEEN INSTITUTIONS AND PROMOTES THE OVERALL MISSIONS OF THE UNIVERSITIES.